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PIONEER:, 

A Story if tb^e ;f'4cikin|;. 

4if Kai'isiis 









By 











.^ 



h Pioneer 







Silent in Thought and Alone.' 



-5< 



Pioneer^ 



A Story of the Making 
gf Kansas 



Br 
WILLIAM A. McKEEVER 

Professor of Philosophy in the Kansas State 
Agricultural College 




Crane Ca. Company, Publishers 

Topeka, Kansas 

1911 



•X 






Copyright 1911, 
By William A. McKeever. 



©ClA303:Ji3 



e Pioneer' 



By the same Author 



I. Psychology and Higher Life. 

II. Psychologic Method in Teaching. 

III. Farm Boys and Girls. 

IV. Home-Training Bulletins : 

1. The Cigarette-Smoking Boy. 

2. Teaching the Boy to Save. 

3. Training the Girl to Help in the 

Home. 

4. Assisting the Boy in the Choice 

of a Vocation. 

5. A Better Crop of Boys and Girls. 

6. Teaching the Boy to Work. 

7. Teaching the Girl to Save. 

8. Instructing the Young in Regard 

to Sex. 




Dedication 

ifn ntttttionnU rtmtmbrantit of tl|i? pxanttr mm ani 

mamen voifa stttieh upon tl}t pinina 

of KattHafi 



'Now one by one they are passing, those brave 

Pioneers of fair Kansas, 
Over the River forever ; and as, from the far dis- 

tand landing. 
We hear the last stroke of the Oarsman through 

vanishing heart-beat resound. 
There comes a mysterious message to comfort 

and soothe the remaining : 
Fear not, for I will be with thee and o'er the dark 

waters will bear thee. 
With unfailing strength to thy haven, where thou 

too hast earned thy reward!" 



See page 96l 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 



'Silent in Thought and Alone" .... Frontispiece 



(< c 



Kansas!' with Joy He Exclaimed, 'Land 
OF My Hopes and Ambitions!'" 21 

"Quickly upon the Wild Flower Fell the 

Keen Eye of Elvira" 47 

"So with the Two on the Prairie 

Alone with Their Ox-team and Wagon," 71 

"The Cabin Alone on the Prairie, En- 
larged AND Partly Rebuilt" 83 



Introduction 

For many years past I have felt a strong 
desire to write some sort of story of the pio- 
neer settler upon the Western prairies. It 
has always seemed to me that the stories 
of early life have had too much tendency 
to cast a cloud of gloom upon a situation 
that was anything but unhappy. We must 
not forget that happiness is a relative term, 
and that the primitive settlers — although 
deprived of many of the ordinary comforts 
and some of the necessities of life, as we 
now view the matter — were reasonably 
happy and contented with what they pos- 
sessed and buoyant with hope of a better 
time to come. There was joy and laughter 
and singing among the inhabitants of those 
primitive dugouts and cabins, just as there 
are such things today among us, their de- 
scendants, who dwell under more propitious 
skies. 

In relating this story I have followed in 
the main the true biographies of my own 
parents, giving the story as related to me 



by them and other pioneers. It has been 
my behef that the simple but courageous 
Hves they lived might be made to appear 
praiseworthy, and the more so because of 
the point of view of the story. 

The reader will readily observe that the 
best -known events of pioneer history are 
merely mentioned here. Such was the in- 
tention of the author, the purpose being to 
leave those matters to the truly historical 
records and to write down for posterity a 
number of homelier pioneer scenes and events 
that are rapidly disappearing from the minds 
of the living. Indeed, if we wish to find 
inspiration and help in the examples of our 
ancestors, we must be able to understand 
as nearly as possible just how they passed 
their daily routine lives. 

If this story should be the means of in- 
culating a larger measure of respect and 
reverence for those who performed so nobly 
the work of laying out an empire upon a 
barren waste, then I shall be exceedingly 
happy over the outcome. W. A. M. 



The Pioneer 

Prelude 

Silent in thought and alone, at the close of 

a day in November, 
Reclined a silver-haired man, a grand sire 

of near eighty winters ; 
His grandchildren playing about him for the 

moment having withdrawn, 
Leaving him there with his musings. Remi- 
niscent now he was. 
Recalling to mind once more the stirring 

scenes of his lifetime ; 
And then as the slow-fading twilight came 

softly in from the westward, 
Picturing ill-defined shadows of the various 

objects around him. 
The old man lapsed into a dream, a terrific 

struggle beholding 
Out on the open wide plains, while the hot 

sun was beating upon him, 
Furiously tried and enraged with some 

mighty giant he wrestled ; 



grije pioneer 

And youthful again, he threw all the strength 
of his buoyant young life 

Into the combat ferocious, till the long 
morning hours were far spent. 

Now as the noonday drew onward, the com- 
batants paused for awhile — 

Stern Opposition Bold and the Pioneer Son 
of the Prairie — 

Then saw in each other's eyes some token of 
favor and friendship ; 

And ere had commenced to gather the mel- 
lowing shadows of evening. 

Complacently joined hand in hand these 
one-time implacable foes 

Were wending together their way through 
wealth-laden grainfields and meadows. 

Thus ended the youthful dream — the bois- 
t'rous young children returning — 

Symbolic in outline and form of the pioneer's 
life on the prairies. 

Gather about me, ye Children, ye many 

Grandchildren attend me; 
Hear while I tell you a story, a tale of the 

brave pioneer. 



Page 16\ 



Cfje Pioneer 



a a a 



The Journey Westward 

Early one morning in May, in a year of the 
middle fifties, 

There walked a youthful man, over the 
prairies he journeyed. 

Far from the East he had come, from his 
native home in Ohio, 

Where his life of twenty-odd years had been 
spent in the primitive forest. 

For many long days he had traveled, now 
by boat, and now by rail, 

To the village of Keokuk, then alone on foot 
through Missouri. 

Straight and erect was this youth, and steady 
of step and demeanor; 

Stout and unyielding his heart as that of the 
ancient Crusader 

Who, spurred by religious zeal, set out to- 
ward the Holy City; 

And never had armored knight more zeal 
for excitement or conquest. 

Or was Gallihad seeking the Grail, of vic- 
tory any more sanguine. 

And now as the noonday sun was warming 
the face of the landscape, 

[Page 17 



i;f)e pioneer 



Archibald rested awhile underneath a wide- 
spreading oak tree, 

Then entered the woodland below that 
skirted the muddy Missouri, 

And after a half-hour more along the dim 
path in the forest 

A humble cabin was reached, the lodge of 
some sturdy frontiersmen, — 

Three faithful hunters, collecting the skins 
of the mink and the beaver. 

Had they aught for the hungry to eat? and 
a bed for the weary traveler? 

Indeed! with abundance to spare, and like- 
wise a welcome most hearty! 

So with the two men he sat — the third hav- 
ing gone up the river — 

And gladly he shared their store of venison, 
fish, and wild honey, 

And cakes of the barley-meal baked on a 
stone by the camp-fire. 

Then, long and freely they talked — the hunt- 
ers of eastern Kentucky, 

Where more than two years before they set 
out on their uncertain journey ; 

And Archibald told of Ohio, how the loved 
ones and many friends there, 

In numbers came in when he left them, bid- 
ding an anxious farewell, 

Page 18] 



QTfte pioneer 

Warning of famine and Indians, predict- 
ing at last a dire fate — 

That never again should they see him; 
while others stoutly declared 

That they longed to be free to go and like- 
wise seek homes on the prairies; 

That when he reported success, they with 
all their possessions 

Would follow and bring many with them 
and there lay out a village. 

And when Archibald told how his mother 
had walked by his side 

Down to the boat-landing fondly to give 
him her last benediction, 

Moist with tears were his eyes and husky 
his voice with emotion; 

And proudly he produced a New Testa- 
ment that she had given him. 

At nightfall the other returned, bringing 

the boat down the river ; 
Then peaceful they slept in the cabin, and 

early at first sign of day 
On the morrow their little boat over the 

river would bear him, 
With ample provisions well stocked, and 

set him again on his journey. 



[Page 19 



QTfje -pioneer 



The Promised Land 

In beauty the morning returned; and just 

as the dayhght appeared 
The fragile boat with its burden, the trav- 
eler and his companion, 
Pushed out for the other shore. Without 

any mishap they landed, 
And after a hasty farewell at the brink of the 

turbulent river. 
Archibald quickly ascended ; then mounting 

a rugged cliff. 
Wrapped in surprise and wonder he looked 

on the landscape before him. 
The rich rolling prairie all clad in green 

vestments of beauty, 
Adorned with many bouquets of lilies and 

sweet-scented wild-flowers. 
Kansas! with joy he exclaimed, land of my 

hopes and ambitions! 

How little the traveler dreamed of the riches 

buried beneath him! 
How little he conceived of the wealth that 

the soil held in treasure! 
How little he then foresaw that for many 

long years in the future. 

Page 20] 




Kansas!^ with joy he exclaimed, 'land of my hopes and 

amhitions r " 



tlte pioneer 

These prairies should be the scenes of such 
stirring human endeavor! 

But hark ! To his ears there came the clear 
simple note of a song-bird, 

A bright little meadow lark, that same true 
companion and friend 

That had sung to him back in Ohio. Quiet 
he stood entranced; 

For never since Phoebus Apollo came proudly 
forth from Delphi, 

Heralded by nightingales' songs of spring- 
time, whereupon, 

Catalia's crystal fount and the dashing 
stream of Cephissus 

Their bounds wide o'erflowed, and the people 
made worshipful offerings, — 

Never since then has mortal soul responded 
to song any sweeter. 

And as from the eastern hills the welcoming 
sun overpouring. 

Stern duty now recalled and broke off the 
spell of enchantment, 

Straightway Archibald turned; then, find- 
ing no pathway to guide him. 

Proceeded on his way through the dew- 
glinted prairies to westward. 

His firm elastic step keeping time with his 
quick-measured heart-beat. 

Page 22] 



tKfje pioneer 

Eager he hastened along. The well-beaten 
trail of the bison 

Now pointing the winding way, and now 
through the prairies he wandered, 

In search of a tract of land, a homestead 
that suited his fancy. 

Occasionally a small hut or crudely-con- 
structed foundation 

Conspicuously marked the location now 
abandoned and lonely. 

Where some other pioneer bold had cen- 
tered his hopes of the future. 

But Archibald's former home had been in 

the heart of the forest. 
Where oft he had cleared out a farm, by 

the aid of fathers and brothers. 
Only to sell out again and once more fron- 

tiersward to wander. 
Now a homelike location he sought, where 

slopes gently undulating. 
With peaceful valleys between, and off to 

the distance a woodland. 
Should form a composite scene, superb in 

its beauty and grandeur. 



[Page 23 



Ct)e pioneer 



The Long Journey Ended 

Though hardships all the way and many 
privations were suffered, 

At length the long journey was ended. 
'Twas a Sabbath eve ideal ; 

And something pervading the place — the 
breath of the low, gentle breezes, 

The soft mellow bands of light in the west- 
ern sky after sunset, 

The delicate perfume of soil with its un- 
marred adornments of verdure, — 

All these things and others therewith were 
somehow suggestive of worship. 

Instinctively Archibald kneeled, and fer- 
vently there outpouring 

Acclamations of praise and thanksgiving, 
very solemnly he vowed 

In the name of the Most High forever to be 
true to the trust 

Which the Father had placed in his keeping. 

And now, having wandered far 
From the camp of the nearest settler, a 

meager lunch was enjoyed 
From the scanty store in his knapsack ; then 

weary at length of the way, 

Page U] 



i;f)e pioneer 

A bed of dead grass was prepared whereon 
he should spend the night. 

How passing strange it seemed! For while 
from the woods in the distance 

The cry of the hungry wolf and the blood- 
curdling shriek of the panther 

Rang out on the chilling night air as dire 
forewarnings of danger — 

Bright in the sky above him the beckoning 
stars reappeared, 

As signaling earthward a message of heav- 
enly care and protection. 

So peaceful the traveler slept and dreamed 

of the toil of the morrow ; 
And never a brighter dawn, or a day more 

inviting to labor. 
Off in the distance yonder, the dim lines of 

smoke curling upward, 
Marked in peculiar way the newly-found 

cla,ims of the settlers, 
Neighbors all from the regions diverse, whom 

a Fate most strange had gathered. 
Uniting them closely now in a mutual bond 

of affection. 



[Page 25 



^Tfje pioneer 



The New-Found Neighbors are Visited 

Leaving an upright staff with handkerchief 
fastened upon it, 

Thus to mark the site where he purposed 
to build him a cabin, 

Straightway Archibald went to learn of the 
plans of the others. 

Some like himself were on foot ; others had 
traveled in wagons. 

And here and there an ox-team not far from 
the camp-side was grazing. 

Among them all a few tools and implements 
crude were carried. 

And likewise had others provided small 
stock of Indian corn, 

And meager supply of seeds and sprouting 
bulbs for the garden. 

Willingly now they arranged for a mutual 
exchange of labor 

The tough rigid sod to turn, or logs to hew 
for the cabins. 

Not a few of this sturdy band were com- 
fortably housed in the dugout. 

While now and then was seen the dark- 
colored form of the sod-house. 



Page 



tCfje pioneer 



And many a jest went round as they talked 
of their mansions and castles, 

Or of how like those children of old, the 
Israelites, they had come 

To a land rich with milk and wild honey. 
And was it not so? 

Had not God's hand safely led them to 
where His treasures were hidden? 

Were not the soil, the moisture, the num- 
berless shafts of bright sunbeams. 

The health-laden breezes of summer, all 
with His riches stored? 

And so, well-content, they dwelt in their 
newly-found homes on the prairies; 

Alike the cares and privations, the joys and 
triumphs, they shared 

Each with the others a part, awaiting with 
patience the harvest. 

But stoutly the unbroken turf their force- 
ful encroachments resisted. 

And meager and poor indeed was the first 
season's product when gathered. 



[Page 27 



tKije pioneer 



Indian Summer on the Plains 

And then came quietly on those halcyon 

days of the autumn. 
Nature, now more calm, putting off her gay 

vestments of summer, 
Slowly her somber robes assumes, prophetic 

of chilling winter. 
Tinged with gray are the prairies now, yel- 
low and golden the forests ; 
Reddened and dimmed the sun's great face 

high over all is watching 
In solemn contemplative mood, the life of 

the landscape receding ; 
While a smoky haze hangs low, obscuring 

the distant horizon. 
Faint from the upper air is heard the weird 

cry of the blue-crane, 
That sad and plaintive refrain, a warning 

of winter's privations ; 
While far toward the western hills that 

stately old monarch, the bison. 
Is leading his hosts away to their winter 

range in the highlands — 
What mind can ponder all these and not 

feel the weight of dejection .f^ 



Page 



Wi)t pioneer 



Is there any courage so strong as to stand 
before them undaunted? 

So, wan and unspeakably sad, one evening 

late in October, 
Archibald sat deep in thought at the door 

of his humble cabin; 
A settler had ridden that way from the post 

and brought him a letter, 
A message from home and friends and all the 

neighborhood gossip ; 
And now while pensive Night was folding 

her black robe about him. 
There seized upon his frame an impulse 

well-nigh irresistible 
Back to his home to return and there cease 

his wanderings forever. 
But soon the hot passion was past, and rea- 
son again returning. 
The steadfast purpose recalled to found a 

new home on the prairies. 



[Page 29 



^fje pioneer 



Fierce Winter Breaks In on the Scene 

Now came the winter on, hke the shadow 
of some mighty demon; 

Over the open plains all bared by the fires 
of the Indians, 

The unchecked northwind swept with its 
missiles of sharp piercing arrows; 

And driven before its force, the fleet hare, 
the prowling coyote. 

The swift-flying plover, the quail, and num- 
berless flocks of wild chicken. 

Alike to some sheltered nook or glen with- 
drew for protection. 

Anon the drifting snow lay deep in the val- 
leys and gulches ; 

Anon the sun peeped out and briefly en- 
livened the landscape ; 

While closely housed in their caves dim- 
lighted, or in their cabins, 

The few homesick settlers passed the weari- 
some days in seclusion. 

Tending their smoking fires, or chinking up 
cracks with mud mortar, 

Or heaping the turf around to keep out the 
cold and the moisture. 



Page 30] 



®l)e pioneer 

Simple indeed was their fare, but the meat 

of the hare and the sage-hen 
Was added to what meagre store they had ; 

and with any who lacked, 
Provisions were shared by the neighbors; 

and finally everyone safe — 
Suspended hope slow returning — was 

brought alive through the winter. 



[Page 31 



tlTfje pioneer 



Spring Returns with a Voice of Freedom 

And now once again came the springtime; 

over the bare brown earth, 
Superb in its freshness and beauty, a mantle 

of green spread out, 
Inspiring the settlers all with ardent hopes 

of the future ; 
And earnestly all fell to in the work of im- 
proving the homesteads. 
Late from their eastern homes whence the 

fame of the new lands had lured them, 
Came now a mighty host, on foot and in 

slow-moving wagons; 
Many in quest of homes, but some with the 

thirst of adventure ; 
Ruffians not a few there were among them, 

inciting to riot. 

Should now this virgin domain favor bond- 
age or freedom forever? 

Should the sound of the lash be heard, or 
ever the clank of shackles 

Resound to mar her fair name? Or a man 
possess as mere chattels 

The body and soul of his brother, or make 
his brother afraid? 

Page 32] 



tlTfje pioneer 

Would they ask of the teeming soil that 

treasured for all such abundance? 
Would they ask of the sky overhead that 

ever dropped blessings upon them? 
Would they ask of the balmy air that wafted 

such incense among them? 
Would they ask of their inmost souls where 

God should be speaking in wisdom? — 
Whether all these free gifts were for some 

and none of them meant for the others? 
Nay! It could never be so, for the Father 

Almighty forbade it! 

But firmly the issues were drawn and slowly 

the forces were mustered. 
In solid ranks arrayed to fight for the South 

or the Union. 
And once again as of old, in a mighty har- 
vest of carnage 
Was garnered a precious Truth of God : 

That half bond and half free, 
No race of man may long hope to stand in 

the light of his favor. 
But seeing their erring ways must mend or 

forever must perish! 
Oh, that terrible carnage of war! How 

brother fell upon brother. 



[Page 33 



Witt pioneer 

While over the face of the land came the 

pall of death and destruction, — 
May its awful details be effaced from the 

minds of the living forever! 
For long in their silent graves its countless 

victims have slumbered; 
Hushed and forgotten now are the piteous 

cries of the orphans 
And widows lamenting sore their most 

wretched state of dejection; 
While Time has been seeking to heal the 

heartstrings once bleeding and broken. 



Page 



Cfje pioneer 



The Faithful Pastor and His Flock 

And now for other scenes, but of goodness 

and growth more prophetic. 
Where moral wars will be waged and the 

strongholds of evil surrendered. 

Conspicuous among the throng of those 

seeking homesteads in Kansas, 
Came good young Brother Knipe, bringing 

all his worldly belongings, — 
A faithful wife by his side, and their pre- 
cious flock of young children ; 
Slowly they crept along in an ox-wagon 

covered with canvas. 
How tedious indeed seemed the way! How 

slender their stock of provisions! 
Threadbare and worn were their garments; 

and yet of the future, how hopeful. 
As daily their prayers went up to the 

Father's throne for protection. 
While out of the Sacred Word the pastor 

would read a short message. 

Can anything stand in the way of a faith 
that is anchored so firmly! 



[Page 35 



Wfjt pioneer 



Can nakedness, famine, or sword, or peril 

of other dire nature 
Ever once subdue the soul that is fixed in so 

firm a foundation? 
So now to good Brother Knipe it seemed 

that the hand of the Father 
Was pointing clearly the way with many a 

sign of fulfillment 
Of promises spoken of old to all who would 

follow His guidance. 
And so they journeyed along for many a 

week to the westward. 
In quest of a suitable place to establish a 

home and a mission. 
Or a settled place wherein the pastor could 

lay out a circuit. 



Page 36] 



®f)e pioneer 



A Call to Preach Accepted 

At length that happy day with all its bright 

prospects came to them. 
A fertile, open land lay shimmering there 

in the sunshine ; 
A growth of fresh green grass appeared in 

abundance and beauty, 
And a winding stream near by insured the 

convenience of water. 
While the settlers far and near would give 

them a hearty reception. 
Remain with us, they urged, and preach in 

our tents and our cabins 
The same old gospel truth we heard so often 

back in the homeland! 
Remain but a little while and we will erect 

a church building. 
And so the compact was sealed, the settlers 

all willingly joining ; 
With axes and spikes came the men and 

quickly constructed a dwelling 
Wherein with his dear little flock the pastor 

could dwell in contentment. 

And now came the women, too, with many 
a gift for the cabin — 

[Page 37 



ZKlje pioneer 

Second-hand garments for all, and crude 

things for use in the kitchen, 
With ornaments not a few, and generous 

stores for the table. 
And then on the next Sabbath Day, much 

like the Disciples of old, 
Without a concerted plan were they led by 

the heavenly Spirit 
Unto a near-by place where they halted and 

fervently worshipped. 
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, be- 
cause the Lord 
Hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto 

the meek! 
To bind up the broken-hearted; to proclaim 

liberty to the captives 
And the opening of the prison to them that 

are bound; 
To comfort all that mourUy to give unto them 

beauty for ashes; 
That they might be called trees of righteous- 

nessy the planting of the Lord. 



Page 38] 



tKfje pioneer 



A Camp-Meeting Planned 

Thus from the good sacred Word the pastor 
proclaimed the true gospel, 

So touching the hearts of all with the power 
of the Living Spirit 

That each to his neighbor came with hand- 
clasp and brotherly greeting, 

While solemnly all made a vow to serve in 
the cause of the Master. 

In a near-by grove where God had builded 
His own leafy temple 

A sacred feast would be spread, a camp- 
meeting lasting a fortnight. 

So heralds hurried forth, far and wide over 
hill and through valley. 

Announcing at every door the time and the 
place of the meeting ; 

All should have blankets for beds, whoever 
had wagons should bring them. 

And vessels for cooking their meals, with 
ample stock of provisions, — 

For even when feasting the soul, the body 
must not be neglected. 

The middle of August came on, the time 
for the festal occasion, 

[Page 39 



®f)e pioneer 

A lull in the farm season's work giving 
promise of many attendants. 

Vast and unbroken the prairies waved in 
the warm summer breezes. 

Claimed by none, yet common to all, 
aw^aited the scythe and the mower; 

Dotting the plains in small patches the sod 
corn appeared with its treasure 

Of well-formed ears ; conspicuous off in the 
distance here and there. 

Awaiting the threshers* flail, was the har- 
vest of oats and of barley ; 

Well furnished with produce the gardens 
supplied every temporal need. 

In cornfields and sodfields about lay wast- 
ing the ripe, luscious melons. 

How fitting and natural, then, that all 
should unite in the service — 

That all should devoutly acknowledge the 
blessings God had vouchsafed them. 

Renewing their pledges of faith in His in- 
finite goodness and mercy; 

Renewing their efforts to walk in the foot- 
steps of Jesus the Christ, 

Who redeems fallen men who heed his 
righteous examples and precepts. 



Page m 



i;f)e pioneer 



All Gladly Assemble for the Festival 

In ox-carts and canvas-top wagons, on foot 

and on horseback, they came 
With camp fixtures, stock of provisions; 

some with Bibles and hymnals. 
Quickly the men set to work removing the 

brush and the brambles, 
Or hewing the rough green slabs for making 

the pulpit and benches. 
So eagerly too were the women bestirring 

themselves at the camp-sides. 
Arranging the wares and provisions for 

ready use in the cooking. 
And out of a crevice below a spring of cool 

water was gushing, 
A fountain of life for the thirsty ; and down 

at the creek-bed near by 
The hand of the Father had formed a bap- 
tismal basin of sandstone. 
And now all in readiness waited the hour 

of the coming service. 

The Sabbath Day dawned most fair; for 

out of the founts of the sky 
A beautiful shower had just fallen, scenting 

the air with its fragrance. 

[Page U 



^i\t pioneer 

Then o'er the camp deep silence reigned, as 

out of the Holy Word, 
Just at the hour of nine, the good Brother 

Knipe read the lesson : — 
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

He maketh me to lie down 
In green pastures: He leadeth me gently be- 
side the still waters. 
He restoreth my soul. Yea^ though I walk 

through the valley of death, 
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; 

Thy rod and Thy staff 
They comfort me. Thou preparest a table 

for me in the presence of my foes; 
Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup 

runneth over. Surely 
Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the 

days of my life: 
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord 

forever. 
Then came the sacred hymn. While Good 

Deacon Brown lined the stanzas, 
In rapturous tones the voices of all through 

the timber resounded : 

Oh, for a faith that will not shrink. 

Though pressed by every foe; 
That will not tremble on the brink 
Of every earthly woe. 

Page ^2] 



tlTfje pioneer 



The Power of the Spirit Prevails 

Rhythmically to and fro swayed the forms 

of some of the elders, 
While others were beating with hand-claps 

the measured time of the music; 
Instinctively all seemed to feel the power 

of the Spirit within them, 
And that God had marked this place as the 

scene of a mighty revival. 
The meetings continued at length, each 

day bringing deeper devotion. 
And while from the pulpit the warning like 

some awful doom was sounded. 
Quietly through the assembly proceeded a 

band of the workers. 
Pleading with heedless sinners that they 

flee from the wrath of heaven. 
Bidding them come to the altar and there 

seek remission of sins. 

Hardened indeed was the heart that would 
not feel the force of such preaching ! 

Stubborn indeed the will that resisted such 
earnest persuasion! 

Old men long practiced in guile, who had 
wronged and hated their fellows ; 

[Page J^3 



Cfte pioneer 

Others whose hearts harbored sin and who 
came to make sport of the meetings ; 

Neighbors whose greed made them foes, and 
who no longer greeted each other, — 

These and a great many more, now touched 
by the power of the preaching, 

All penitent, wrought with emotion, fell 
prostrate there at the altar : 

Some in loud tones their sins were confess- 
ing, and pleading for mercy ; 

Some lay dazed and speechless, or moaning ; 
some with much fervor were singing, 

O'erjoyed with the thought that their hus- 
bands or wives or fathers or brothers 

Had repented at last and turned to the cross 
of Christ for salvation. 

Laboriously now and long the members all 
worked with the converts, 

Explaining the way of salvation or giving 
assurance of peace; 

In happy confusion and led by the Spirit, 
at random they prayed 

Or sang broken lines from the church 
hymns or shouted loud hallelujahs. 

So on and on they continued from early 
forenoon till near sunset, 

None noting the passing hours or stopping 
to think of their dinner. 

Page U] 



^fft pioneer 

Now you who would scoff at religion or any 

such primitive worship, 
May ever your lips remain sealed until you 

have made explanation 
Of that Mysterious Power which melts the 

hard heart of the sinner — 
Which takes away malice and envy and sub- 
stitutes love for base hatred, 
Which gives the sad beauty for ashes and 

the oil of joy for mourning. 
The garment of praise for dejection; and 

yet more than all of these. 
Which brings to the penitent soul that peace 

which surpasseth all knowledge. 

Then, after the many were baptized, re- 
ceiving remission of sins. 

With kind and affectionate partings all 
turned once more to their homesteads. 



[Page J^5 



l^fje pioneer 



Story of the White Rose 

Out on the roadside lone, away from the 

scenes of endeavor, 
Blossomed a delicate rose, with brambles 

and bushes around it. 
White as a lily it was, and all the sweet 

incense of morning 
Appeared to be latent within it : but whence 

had it sprung? 
And why should it linger there alone, yet 

in seeming contentment? 
The angels of heaven relate how early in 

springtime their Father 
A rare seed had tenderly planted, and with 

forethought divine had placed 
In its delicate folds a secret, a precious com- 
mission of beauty. 

For none of His beauty is wasted ; the song- 
birds that sweetly warble 

Unheard in the pristine forest, the flowers 
that lavishly blossom 

On mountain heights far from the haunts of 
men, the bed of the ocean 

Strewn with rich pearls and sea-mosses, and 
likewise the vast boundless space 

Page ^6] 




Quickly upon the wild flower fell the keen eye of Elvira.'' 



Cfie pioneer 

Of the universe, radiant all over with splen- 
dors bright tinted, — 

These, yea! all these and more, in His 
own good time shall contribute 

Their meed of the grandeur that makes up 
His Kingdom of Glory. 

So with the wild rose blooming unnoticed 

alone in the wildwood. 
Its secret rare withheld and bided its time 

of fulfillment. 
Early in June one bright day, when all the 

young vigor of Nature 
Stood forth in fresh, leafy forms, filling her 

heart with enchantment. 
There traveled a child that way, a bright 

happy girl of ten summers. 
Radiant with beauty her face, fanned by the 

breezes of morning ; 
Ruddy and sweet were her lips, kissed by 

the sunlight of heaven. 
Quickly upon the wild-flower fell the keen 

eye of Elvira, 
And out to its beauty there flowed the 

passionate strength of her love. 
Fondly she took up the rose, enfolding in 

the soft, moist earth 



Page 4S] 



tlTfie pioneer 



The growth of deHcate roots, and carried it 

tenderly homeward. 
And there in a half-shaded spot, not far 

from the hardy young lilac 
And sweet-scented moss-rose that grew in 

her quaint rustic dooryard, 
Deftly her treasure replanted. And faith- 
fully here day by day. 
As the long summer season passed on, 

patient Elvira returned ; 
For deep in her own pure heart, all rhythmic 

with pulse-beats of music. 
Strange and ineffably sweet, responded a 

chord, soft subdued. 
Meeting with accents most rare, the secret 

God placed in the rosebud. 
So she kept watch o'er her treasure, watered 

and digged well about it. 
Thus wooing its waning life back to its full 

strength and vigor. 

So for a decade Elvira, true to the prompt- 
ings within her. 

Ardently cared for her flowers, until from 
their progeny came 

A beautiful bed of roses, white, and trans- 
formed by selection 

Into the fairest of forms, the best that her 

culture could give them. 

[Page ^9 



Cfje pioneer 



The Maid of the Prairies, and Her 
Charms 

Ages ago, says Tradition, out of the foam 
of the ocean 

Sprang Aphrodite, a maiden who brought 
love into the world. 

Ennobling the natures of all by making 
them pure and unselfish. 

Ever since then has this passion, fiery, un- 
quenchable still. 

Reigned in the hearts of the people, out- 
lasting warfare and conquest. 

Stronger than selfish ambition or even the 
power of religion. 

Wherefore not unexpected should courtship 
creep in at the church-door. 

Allying itself with the worship, offering 
God its assistance. 

And so from her home came Elvira, over 

the hills from Missouri, 
Out on the plains of Kansas to visit and live 

with her sisters 
Margaret and Ellen, whose husbands had 

settled on claims together. 



Page 50] 



tKfte pioneer 

Fair of complexion this maiden, whose 
twenty short years had perfected 

And rounded her sprightly form, uniting 
compactness and beauty ; 

A heavenly blue were her eyes that spoke of 
affection and firmness, 

While flaxen and wavy her hair betokened 
a sensitive nature, 

And blushing upon her cheeks was the deli- 
cate pink of the primrose; 

Pure and chaste was her life as the lily that 
grew by the brookside. 

Acquainted with woodland and meadow as 
well as with parlor and kitchen ; 

The musical notes of the song-birds, the 
piercing cry of the panther. 

The lowing of cattle, the prospect of change 
in the weather. 

Haymaking, hoeing in cornfields, ox-driv- 
ing, riding on ponies, — 

All these and other such matters were thor- 
oughly known to Elvira, 

Whose aesthetic being was wont to render 
them back as sweet music. 

In the little log school-house back home, 
the lessons mastered so well 

Had fostered a love for books, the well- 
chosen works of the Masters, 

[Page 51 



tKlje pioneer 



And many an hour alone had she passed 

in reading her Bible, 
Fixing in memory with ease the verses that 

suited her nature. 



Page 52] 



Wfit pioneer 



A Stroll in the Shady Woodland 

So it chanced that Elvira and Archibald 
came to the meetings ; 

Thrice before had they met at the Sunday- 
school held in a cabin, 

And there had a mutual friendship at once 
sprung up between them; 

Now more and more every day were they 
seen in each other's presence, 

Standing at times with the group, or sitting 
alone at the camp-side. 

Nor was all the time at the meetings de- 
voted only to sermons ; 

Many a joke or jest was heard, and many 
a loud peal of laughter ; 

Many new friendships were formed, none 
waiting on ceremony. 

Prices, the season's best crops, the question 
of help in the haying. 

Were favorite topics for men; while true 
to their natures the women 

Talked of the work of the household or 
learned of the neighborhood gossip. 

Early one bright afternoon Archibald called 
for Elvira. 

[Page 53 



tICfje pioneer 

Wandering far through the woods they for- 
got to return to the service. 

Slowly down by the creek they strolled, now 
pausing to catch the sound 

Of a waterfall dashing below on the shifting 
sands and pebbles; 

Now scenting the perfume of woodland or 
meadow, or feeling the breath 

Of the warm summer breezes inducing re- 
pose and happy contentment. 



Page 5^] 



STfje pioneer 



The Strong Oak and the Clinging Vine 

Near by stood a sturdy young oak tree 
among whose numerous branches 

Graceful entwined a wild grape-vine with 
clusters of fruit hanging under — 

The first was a strong support, a defense 
against harmful intrusion, 

The second a delicate vessel, yet each seemed 
a part of the other. 

Under this cool, leafy bower Dame Nature 
had woven a grass mat 

As if she expected some callers; hereon 
were seated the lovers, 

Elvira with one arm encircling the trunk 
of the stout young oak tree. 

And Archibald holding a branch of the grace- 
ful, low-hanging grape-vine. 

With faltering voice and slow he told of his 
work on the homestead — 

How two years before he had come and 
with jealous care had built 

With unaided hands a cabin with slab roof 
and earth floor and fireplace ; 

And how he had planned to rebuild, pro- 
viding more room and more comfort; 



[Page 65 



Cl^e l^ioneer 



How he had lived there alone, far away 
from the sound of a neighbor; 

How he had planted out trees and struggled 
to wrest from the sod-land 

A small crop of corn and of barley; how 
fondly he'd dreamed and hoped 

For future success and contentment, with 
grain and stock in abundance, 

With at length a magnificent home for him- 
self and 

Pausing he turned to Elvira, whose eyes 
were now moist with emotion, 

Whose deeply sensitive nature had been 
touched by his simple story 

Of loneliness, suffering, longing for closer 
friends and companions. 

For some moments speechless they sat di- 
vining each other's true motives ; 

Meanwhile the sunlight was fading in dusk 
and all nature was quiet. 

Save for the turbulent heart-beat which 
sounded confession within them. 

Then Archibald faltered : Elvira, I seem not 
unlike this young oak tree, 

Excepting I stand quite alone with no pre- 
cious burden to carry. 

Will you take the place of the vine, ever 
clinging to me for protection? 

Fage 56] 



tKfje pioneer 

Now while the soft fading twihght was 

throwing its shadows about them, 
Obscuring the place from the eyes of the 

questioning world without ; 
As clung the strong oak and the grape-vine 

so the young man and the maiden, 
There vowing forever united to travel their 

life journey onward. 



[Page 67 



tlTfje pioneer 



A Dreadful Scourge Smites the Settlers 

Quickly the months rolled around. Early 

next year would Elvira 
Return to the home of her people and there 

to prepare for the wedding. 
Archibald meanwhile worked faithfully, put- 
ting his cabin in order, 
Breaking the sod with his ox-team, and 

bringing his crops under shelter. 
But late in the summer the settlers began 

to suffer from fever, 
A scourge most malignant o'er taking them 

ere the autumn was passed. 
Like some savage beast of the forest that 

stealthily creeps unexpected 
Out of its lair creating great terror in camp 

and in field, 
So far and wide through the country the 

pestilence entered the cabins. 
Claiming now as its victim the only young 

child in the family. 
And now some courageous father, leaving 

behind broken-hearted 
A widow with children to care for without 

provisions or money. 



Page 58] 



Clje pioneer 

iiiiiDuirumiiiaiiiiiiiumaiiiiiiiiuiiaiiiiiniiiiiaiiiiiuiiiiiaiwiiiiiiia 

Time after time some lone dugout, desolate, 

partly in ruins, 
Bore witness of how the grim monster had 

won every battle therein. 



[Page 59 



tKfje pioneer 



A Good Angel of Mercy Appears 

Never a cloud but the sunshine is ready to 

send a ray through it, 
Never a loss but some profit may fall to the 

wise and the prudent, 
Never comes sickness or sorrow but brings 

some bright angel of mercy, 
With a presence gentle that heals and a 

voice that gives sweet consolation. 

So while the dark shadow of death was 

hovering implacably o'er them. 
Good Sister Knipe went about, leaving her 

husband and children. 
To call at the homes of the ailing. Calm 

and prayerful she hastened 
From one to the other; now cooling a 

feverish brow, and now yonder 
She poured out her tears for some mother 

mourning the loss of her loved ones ; 
And again would she work with the children 

whose parents were sorely stricken — 
Cooking and serving the meals, or washing 

their clothes and their faces; 
Making them garments from canvas torn 

from the wagons ; loving them, 

Page 60] 



tKfje pioneer 

Only as true mothers can. Very often 
while leaving some sod-house 

Was she seen with the little ones clinging 
about her, embracing her, 

Pleading for kisses or crying and begging 
her never to leave them. 

From cabin to cabin went good Brother 
Knipe, also offering solace. 

Counseling courage and steadfastness, say- 
ing short prayers at the bedside. 

Helping to bury the dead, and procuring 
new homes for the orphans. 

So after many long weeks the scourge dis- 
appeared, and behind it 

Left many a home that was broken, many 
a heart that was aching ; 

But from the minds of the living it purged 
every vestige of hatred, 

Rendering each one more thoughtful of 
friends as well as of neighbors. 

Firmly uniting them all in a new bond of 
Christian affection. 



[Page 61 



3Ci)e pioneer 



The Hopeful Signs that Failed 

But how very few were prepared for the 

season of Eighteen and Sixty! 
No springtime was ever more hopeful — 

warm showers and sunshine by turns 
Lending beauty to forest and prairie ; early 

a fresh new growth 
Sprung from the slumbering earth, reviving 

the hopes of the settlers. 
Rank were the wheat and the barley; un- 
hindered by frost or cold weather, 
The corn and oats and potatoes, with early 

produce of the garden, 
Came on so quickly that many predicted a 

year of great plenty. 
Buoyant and hopeful was Archibald; after 

the spring rush was over 
Would he go across to Missouri, bringing 

his fair bride back with him 
To dwell in his cabin and they two would 

found a true home, living 
In joy and contentment together, with all 

they desired around them. 

But many a fresh young flower may wither 
and die ere the seed-time, 

PagejB2] 



^fje pioneer 

Many a day that dawns fair may witness 
a tempest ere nightfall, 

Many a hope soaring high may be dashed 
to the ground ere fulfillment. 

So with the hope of Elvira; so with the 
promise of Archibald; 

So with the fate of the settlers — all who 
braved the dry season of Sixty. 

Like as the time when Demeter, fair priest- 
ess of sowing and reaping, 

Mourning the theft of her daughter, for- 
bade that the earth should bear fruit 

Till the day of the latter's return; so now 
some strange god or demon 

Seemed to be wreaking his vengeance on 
every green product of nature. 

Again and again would the lowering clouds 
assemble to westward 

With vivid flashes of lightning and far- 
distant rumbling of thunder; 

Time after time did the workmen return 
from the fields for shelter, 

Expecting a downpour of rain if not a de- 
structive tornado. 



[Page 63 



ZKfje pioneer 



Disheartened, Many Return to the Home- 
land 

But no storms prevailed, neither rain to 
bless and enliven the landscape. 

Rivers and wells became empty or gave 
scant supply for the household, 

And frequently that must be hauled from 
springs which were many miles distant. 

Crazed for water the livestock would stroll 
far away to the rivers. 

Not again to be seen by the owner. Like 
a fierce blast of fire 

Coming from some mighty furnace the south- 
west wind swept over the land. 

Withering all vegetation. So curled and 
shriveled the corn-leaves. 

Soon dried and were carried away, leaving 
brown and bare the stalks; 

Too soon for the harvest the wheat and the 
barley succumbed to the blast. 

None having formed or matured except in 
ravines and in lowlands ; 

While orchard and garden all bare gave noth- 
ing to succor the hungry ; 

And wild game once plentiful now sought 
some distant clime more propitious. 

Page 641 



®f)e pioneer 

Late in the year many settlers weighed 
down with despair and dejection, 

With the grim ghost of famine still lurking 
in every dark corner, — 

When all signs had failed and every faint 
hope of aid was abandoned. 

Now loaded their stock of belongings in 
creaking wagons and ox-carts. 

Or set out bravely on foot to return to the 
land of their fathers. 

Hungry and broken in spirit, admitting de- 
feat and mis judgment, 

Early in winter they came to the homeland, 
relating their stories 

Of loss and privation, and warning all of 
their friends against Kansas. 

But some of those having more courage re- 
mained and held to their homesteads. 

And managed to live through the winter. 
Foraging parties were sent out 

To seek the wild products of nature, to hunt 
for the deer and the bison 

And small game of woodland and prairie. 
At last came the alms from the East, 

Provisions and second-hand clothing, and 
all were given their portion. 



[Page 65 



tCije pioneer 



Hope, Undimmed and Eternal, Finds Ful- 
fillment 

Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-one! How 
swiftly the months hurry onward! 

Over the rolling prairies wide, alone with 
his ox-team and wagon, 

Archibald wended his way, at length reach- 
ing the home of Elvira. 

Though one year delayed by the drought, 
and though hard times had pursued him. 

Yet was his courage not shaken; for like 
that bright star of the morning 

Which signals afar through the darkness, 
telling of day dawning brighter. 

So Hope, undimmed and eternal, through 
the gloom of despair ever shining. 

Points out the way to the soul who without 
it would perish forever. 

Now had the marriage day dawned; the 
June-time with delicate tracings 

In every new bud and fresh flower its prom- 
ise of harvest was writing. 

Over the landscape entrancing the sweet- 
scented zephyrs were playing ; 



Page 66] 



(Kfje pioneer 



Sublime and unclouded the sky its health- 
laden sunbeams threw downward 

In lavish profusion to all, expressive of 
God's benediction. 

And now in that cottage home near the 
banks of the muddy Missouri 

Was a beautiful bower designed, of juniper, 
smilax, and fern leaves. 

And branches of oak and cedar, with strands 
of wild grape-vine entwining. 



[Page 67 



(STfje pioneer 



The White Rose Returns for the Wedding 

So deftly the hands of the sisters — of Ellen 

and Jane and the others — 
The humble place had transformed into one 

of sweet charm and rare beauty. 
Fresh in the sunlight without there still 

flourished the delicate roses, 
Pure and white as of yore when the first 

one, espied by Elvira, 
Was brought from the roadside alone and 

tenderly placed in her garden. 
And a Voice divine had told her of some 

precious secret commission. 
These with affectionate care the sisters now 

wove into garlands 
Of fair and symmetrical form for gracing 

the festal occasion ; 
Above the smooth brow of Elvira, encircling 

her hair bright and golden, 
Was a wreath of roses and rosebuds; and 

these with the simple white gown, 
Befitted the innocent charm and the good- 
ness of heart of a bride 
That might have well pleased the Fair Hera, 

the patron of womanly virtue, 



Page 68] 



tCfje pioneer 

Whose sanction was sought long ago for 
blessing the conjugal altar. 

Many came in to the wedding — the rela- 
tives, friends, and the neighbors — 
Everyone bearing a gift to the bride, some 

simple home-made thing 
For kitchen or bedroom or wardrobe, or 

token of fond remembrance. 
And now as the clock sounded ten the mis- 

ister entered the doorway 
With bride and groom and attendants. 

And all in a silence impressive 
Awaited expectant the service; for the 

words were to bind two hearts 
For weal or for woe together; and thus 

through the long generations 
To seal forever the destiny of those who 

would follow them onward. 
In the fervent prayer that was said the 

pastor referred to the roses. 
As symbols of beauty and goodness, noting 

how faithful the flowers 
To the primitive germ latent in them, and 

how God now joined these two 
To carry his purposes forward and bless the 

land with their offspring. 



[Page 69 



^fje pioneer 



A Wedding Journey over the Prairie 

After an hour of well-wishing in behalf of 

the bride and the groom, 
And after the guests had enjoyed a feast 

of good things at the table, 
The ox-team was yoked to the wagon, and 

therein were stored the provisions 
Required for the wedding journey, and all 

the new household equipment. 
Now came a final farewell — the kisses and 

tears of the women. 
The faint low prayer of the mother, who 

saw her fair daughter departing. 
The half-noticed words of the brothers, who 

stood by to start up the oxen. 
The father's last charge that Archibald take 

the best care of Elvira. 
Then mounted high on the wagon-seat they 

passed to the open roadway. 
Radiant with hope these two souls, to travel 

life's journey together. 
And who could foretell their future, the 

manifold joys and the sorrows. 
The alternate triumphs and losses attend- 
ing the way before them.? 



Page 70] 




'So with these two on the prairie . 

Alone with their ox-team and wagon. 



Cfje pioneer 



Just as when back in Old Eden man found 
his mate in the garden, 

And a fountain of Love issued forth deep 
and unfaiUng forever, 

So with these two on the prairie, — this man 
and this maiden who journeyed 

Alone with their ox-team and wagon, the 
same fresh stream of affection 

Coursed through their hearts and trans- 
formed them, thus making their earth 
like a heaven. 



Page 72] 



®f)e pioneer 



A Glad Welcome Home 

At length was the wedding trip ended. At 
the close of a bright June day, 

With background of western horizon, and 
shrouded in picturesque haze, 

The cabin appeared before them, rejoic- 
ing the hearts of the travelers. 

A quarter-hour later the oxen in front of 
the house stood panting, 

And quickly alighting the two now hurried 
to enter the doorway, 

When suddenly burst on the scene a ter- 
rific roar of confusion 

As if some great swarm of demons were 
loosed from the regions of sheol. 

With gongs and cowbells and muskets and 
war-whoops and shriekings and laughter, 

The frightening din broke forth, while out 
of the places of hiding 

The neighbors closed round the young pair 
with forceful expressions of welcome. 

Quickly the candles were lighted, the bride 
and the groom in amazement 

Beholding before their eyes a long table 
laden with good things. 



[Page 73 



®;i)e pioneer 

And through the humble cabin which Arch- 
ibald left so unhomelike 

Were furnishings new and adornments, the 
gifts of his friends and his neighbors. 

With merry jests and laughter, and taunts 
for the bride and the bridegroom, 

The company sat round the table till all 
had been feasted, and then 

A room was cleared for the party, where 
Blind Man's Buff and Fruit Basket 

And other such games were indulged in till 
after the hour of midnight. 



Page 1lh\ 



Wi)t pioneer 



But Some There Were Who Failed 

But not all who came to the West succeeded 

in founding a homestead; 
Some with the base lust of wealth, unwill- 
ing to work for a living, 
Were soon beaten back by want and the 

rigorous force of the climate; 
Some by homesickness subdued made a 

hasty retreat to their people ; 
Others, compelled to remain from lack of 

the means of returning, 
In poverty dwelt on their claims as examples 

of permanent failure. 
While now and then could be seen some 

victim of appetite lingering. 

As if grasshoppers clouding the sun and 

preying on every green thing 
Left by the drought and hot winds, were 

not enough to deter him, 
Sim Baylor, a sturdy young settler, added 

the burden of whisky. 
Through the first decade and a half of his 

pioneer struggles this ranchman 
With royal good courage and cheer had 

battled with obstacles many, 

[Page 75 



l^fje pioneer 



At times with partial success, then again 

would his fortune forsake him. 
The wife he had chosen in folly of youth 

from his fireside had fled, 
Ill-furnished with comforts of home, by 

intoxication made wretched. 
Departing for some unknown place, and 

leaving the children with neighbors. 



Page 76\ 



^ift pioneer 



Behold, What a Wreck of Manhood! 

Behold now a scene most forlorn, a crum- 
bling and leaky old cabin, 

A broken-down team and old wagon, a 
scrub cow or two, a homestead 

About to be sold for the mortgage — a pic- 
ture, indeed, of despair! 

Behold now the wreck of a man created in 
heaven's own image — 

In whose eye there once shone the light and 
sweetness of innocent childhood. 

And whose face once clearly foreshadowed 
the full strength of manly courage! 

Such was the boyhood of Baylor and such 
were his prospects of manhood. 

But now what a ruin, what madness, what 
depth of despair had he reached! 

As blear-eyed and blackened in soul, broken 
and weakened in body. 

Halting and lame and shambling, he dragged 
to his daily employment! 

Forsaken and shunned by his friends, and 
inwardly cursing existence. 

He longed for the rest of the grave. But 
was not this man a real hero.^ 



[Page 77 



tKfje pioneer 

Misguided, neglected in youth, lured on by 

example of others, 
From step to step downward he went be- 
yond the last point of returning. 
And then what a terrific struggle! What 

tears and prayers intermingled 
With curses and gnashing of teeth! What 

pledges and firm resolutions. 
And vows to God and his family that never 

again would the tempter 
Subdue him or make him afraid! But the 

power of the demon had won ; 
The weight of dejection forever pressed down 

on his sin-hardened soul ; 
Delirium awful and damning like some 

fiery beast consumed him. 

Alone, unattended, unpitied, with hideous 

moans and pleadings 
And vain prayers to heaven for mercy, Sim 

welcomed the angel of death. 
So by the roadside they found him — though 

nobody missed him or mourned him — 
Where long his vile body had lain half hid 

by the leaves and the snow-drift. 
A lone spot out on the prairie once marked 

by a stone, now forgotten, 



Page 78] 



l^fje pioneer 

Received the wretched remains and to earth 
forever transformed them. 

No more of the sickening story of Poor Old 
Sim Baylor, the outcast, 

The like of whose life is repeated ten thou- 
sand times over today. 

But thanks to the foresight and courage of 
Kansas, now taking the lead 

In outlawing traffic in whisky and all of its 
kindred temptations. 

And God speed the day when all nations 
shall likewise in triumph assail 

This death-dealing foe of men's souls and 
usher in freedom forever! 



[Page 79 



Cfie pioneer 



A True Companionship 

When God in infinite Wisdom created the 

man and the woman 
Ordaining the one for the other, designing 

the varied natures, 
A curse most dire was provided of bitter- 
ness, woe and remorse 
For all whose mating profaned the divine 

institution of marriage; 
For those whose compatible natures the 

heavenly office fulfilled — 
Each bringing unto the other what that one 

instinctively needed — 
For all such a full cup of joy o'erflowing was 

vouchsafed forever — 
The joy of love and contentment, the joy 

of hope for the future, 
The joy of work with its promise of ample 

reward of achievement. 
The joy of service for others, of giving one's 

life up by piecemeal 
In behalf of companion, or offspring, or some 

stranger hungry in soul. 
But rarer than all other treasures — the gold 

and silver and jewels, 



Page 80] 



tKIje pioneer 

The merchandise, lands and houses — is the 

heavenly gift of children. 
Sweeter than orchestral music, or song of 

the lark in the springtime. 
Is the coo and the cry of infants fed at the 

breasts of their mothers ; 
The prattle and noise of children romping 

about their own dooryard. 

Who can doubt that the All-wise Creator, 
the same Jehovah that promised 

To Abraham offspring abundant on through 
the ages to follow — 

Who doubts that this Heavenly Father still 
favors his worthy children? 

Or that such favor was wanting when Ar- 
chibald, true to his promptings. 

With others, resolved in his heart a pioneer 
race to establish? 

So when to this home on the prairie the 
First-born appeared, attended 

By no physician or nurse — save a god- 
mother called from the neighbors — 

The heart of the mother rejoiced, recalhng 
the secret commission; 

And hkewise the father remembered the 
vow he had made to heaven 

To found in the West a true home and de- 
voutly to bring up a family. 

[Page 81 



tKfje pioneer 



Joy in the Home with the Children 

And now as the seasons passed on, the cabin 
alone on the prairie, 

Enlarged and partly rebuilt and with out- 
buildings clustered about it, 

Became the inspiring scene of many of life's 
young endeavors. 

Conveniently near the place had Archibald 
planted an orchard 

Of apples and peaches and plums, and small 
fruit of every description. 

Adorning the dooryard and walks were elm 
trees and maples and cedars. 

Underneath whose cooling shade the chil- 
dren could play in contentment. 

And oh! the many young souls to be 
clothed and nourished and cared for! 

With not a device or convenience and very 
scant means for buying 

At shop or store or from peddler the plain- 
est of things for the household. 

But some there be always among us who 
seem to be marked for hardship, 

For peril or sword or privation or other dire 
earthly oppression, 

Page 82] 





The cabin alone on the prairie, enlarged and partly 
rebuilt," 



tKfje pioneer 

And yet whose spirit undaunted seems des- 
tined forever to triumph. 

Such was the spirit of Archibald, such was 
the strength of Elvira, 

And so by the light of the fireplace or home- 
made candle dim burning, 

Elvira would sit with her sewing at night, 
while nimble her fingers 

Would fly through the stitches of garments 
new, or at mending the old ones. 

And though a fierce storm might be raging 
without, and hungry coyotes 

Mingling their blood-curdling cries with the 
moan and the sigh of the north-wind. 

And Archibald off at the village a two-days 
trip for provisions. 

Yet was she not afraid. Fondly in thought 
would she picture the future 

Of the little ones lying asleep on cots or on 
pallets about her. 

Seeing for each one a career of success, of 
fame and of honor. 

And firm indeed was her faith in the love 
of the Heavenly Father, 

To whom she resigned all her cares, receiv- 
ing new strength for the morrow. 



Page 8Ji\ 



tCfte pioneer 



The Heroic Life of Elvira 

How precious and rich is the treasure of 

memory gleaned from the past, 
Of a mother at evening with babe in arms 

crooning the infant to slumber; 
And after the day was far spent and the 

light of the sun dim receding 
Had brought out the heavenly stars, how 

sweet and entrancing that love-song! 
How simple and fervent that prayer! though 

the voice of the singer was broken 
And the whispered words of the prayer only 

such as every true mother 
The wide world round has uttered in thought 

of her slumbering offspring! 

And long ere the sun rose each morning 
the same quick-moving Elvira 

Would be seen at her work of preparing the 
breakfast, fetching the water. 

Churning, feeding the chickens, arranging 
the house for the children, 

While Archibald tended the cattle or 
chopped the wood for the fireplace. 

And yet in the whirl and confusion of end- 
less work, and of children 

[Page 85 



tCfie pioneer 

Romping and crying and teasing, no mur- 
mur was heard from Elvira; 

But cheer and gladness and singing and 
peace like a message from heaven 

Attended her presence, inspiring the down- 
cast, the ill or the needy. 



Page 86] 



(Cfje pioneer 



The Revival of a Sunday-school 

Often with two or three children mounted 

before or behind her, 
Away to the sod church she rode where the 

Sunday-school met; while Archibald 
Stayed with his livestock or guarded the 

homestead from fires on the prairie. 
When weak and discouraged the small band 

that came to study the Scriptures, 
Would threaten disunion, Elvira would rally 

them quickly again, 
And make all to feel that the presence of 

God would never forsake them, 
If only they held ever true his promises, 

steadfast believing. 
And so when the leader disheartened had 

fled to the Cave of Despair, 
Declaring the people apostate and none but 

himself still faithful, 
Elvira appeared — as of old the angel had 

come to Elijah — 
Reproving the faithless members; and by 

them selected as leader. 
She marked in the Scriptures the lessons, 

named the teachers of classes, 



[Page 87 



tKije^ioneer 



And fervently led in the singing. Thus was 

the School, dull and lifeless, 
Inspired by the zeal of a mother whom the 

cares of work and children 
And the many hard trials and privations 

of building a homestead 
Had never weighed down or discouraged. 

Thus was a listless, apostate 
Sunday-school out on the prairie, revived 

by the faith of one woman. 
Today in that place a church building stands 

beautiful and inspiring. 
Where throngs assemble to worship, and 

where now for many long years 
The faithful have come, and departed with 

zeal and strength for the service 
Of God and their fellow-men — a memorial 

all of Elvira. 



Page 88] 



^fje pioneer 



Behold the Work of a Man 

Behold now the work of a man imbued with 

desire of improvement, 
Who seeks neither favor nor friendship of 

those who stoop to do evil ; 
Who fears not to stir up offense among any 

who traffic in crime — 
A man whom the gods might have chosen 

to go on the quest with Jason. 
So Archibald, though less religious by far 

than his good life companion. 
Stood firm for the civic welfare. Schools 

must be organized ably; 
Highways established; committees in se- 
cret for vigilance formed 
For dealing with stock- thieves and robbers ; 

aid sent the needy in winter ; 
Good men elected to office for councils of 

state and of nation; — 
Such duties as these did Archibald give to 

his conscience as burdens 
Equal with those of the home as means of 

safeguarding his children. 
How nobly these pioneers wrought for God 

and the home life and freedom 
The thousands of pure men and women, 

their offspring, may stand to witness. 

[Page 89 



i;f)e pioneer 



The Herder-Boy Tending His Flock 

Sweet is the breath of the prairies, the roll- 
ing plateaus and the valleys 

With long winding streams or deep hollows 
branching in many directions ; 

And over it all in the springtime a fresh 
tint of green spreading out 

To meet the dim gray of horizon or low- 
hanging haze of the cloud-mist ; 

While scattered about o'er the scene in quiet 
contentment the cattle 

Are grazing or waiting meekly their turn 
to go down to the water. 

Circling unnoticed among them the herder- 
boy rides on his pony, 

Hallooing, whistling or singing. With shep- 
herd's dog close at his side, 

To bring in the stragglers many, he rounds 
up his herd, making certain 

That none may be missing or lost, then 
brings them back home at each evening. 

Then early again on the morrow the cattle 
return to the pasture ; 

Eager for grass, they go running with herder- 
boy close at their heels. 



Page 90] 



tICfje pioneer 

Although at times some young neighbor or 
brother would go as companion, 

Day after day o'er the grass plains the 
youthful lad rode unattended 

Except by the many dumb creatures — the 
cattle, the dog, and the pony. 

But you who may dwell in the city where 
thousands of human forms pass 

Constantly hither and thither; where clat- 
ter and din and confusion. 

And towering buildings many, and smoke- 
clouds obscuring the heavens, 

And ceaseless whirl of excitement at theatre, 
ballroom or playground, — 

All you who suffer this cramping and limit- 
ing life of the city, 

How little indeed you know of the freedom 
and joy of the prairie! 

How like your abode to a prison, how lack- 
ing in fresh inspiration' 

But out on the wide open plains the herd- 
boy communes with wild nature : 

Digs out the ground-squirrels and badgers, 
chases the wolves and the rabbits, 

Matches the fierce bulls in contests, leaps 
over streams and deep gulches, 

[Page 91 



Vtf)t pioneer 

Falls from his quick-turning pony, fights a 

mad steer in a thicket, 
Races his pony with others, sleeps on the 

grass in the sunshine, 
Flees from the hghtning and wind-storms, 

learns to defy every danger. 



Page 92] 



tlTfje pioneer 



Alone, and Taught by the Spirit 

And was it not Abraham, father of Israel's 

hosts, who wandered 
Alone on the desert when God came forth 

in a strange fiery vision? 
And was it not out on a mountain the Lord 

unto Moses appeared, 
Inspired him to write the Commandments 

for ruling a mighty people ? 
And was not the sweet singer David a 

herder-boy tending his flock 
When called by Jehovah's appointed to rule 

as a king of the land? 
And did not the Nazarene, Jesus, return 

from the wilderness, where 
Through fasting and prayer he abode, to 

startle the world with his teachings? 

So with the herder-boy riding at will o'er 

the wide open prairie : 
Although far away from companions, and 

all habitations human, 
A Presence attended him, ever revealing 

rare meanings within. 
The oft-veering winds whispered secrets of 

storms approaching, or sunshine; 

[Page 93 



Cfje pioneer 

The steep rugged hills echoed speeches or 

shouts or laughter to please him ; 
The swift-flowing brook furnished music that 

matched Saint Cecilia's chantings; 
The gold-tinted clouds spoke of heaven and 

God's protection and favor 
To any of earth's living creatures observing 

his order divine; 
And likewise the cattle and horses as well 

as the wolves and the wild birds ; — 
All these had a message well known to every 

young boy of the prairies ; 
And he in return would address them — 

now whispering, now declaiming, 
Now coining the air into singing, and now 

deep in silent wonder. 
Thus cherished and schooled by Dame Na- 
ture, reflective, courageous, undaunted. 
To manhood the herder-boy grows, a master 

of men and of issues. 



Page 9i\ 



Wf)t pioneer 



A Land of Wealth and Plenty 

The years in their cycles passed on ; slowly 

the broad open prairies 
Their primitive beauty gave up to conquest 

of farmer and ranchman. 
Near by the site of the cabin that once 

housed the poor lonely settler 
The well-furnished dwelling appeared, con- 
spicuous as witness of plenty; 
Railways and industries many, with wealth 

of equipment; school-houses, 
Churches in country and village ; well laid- 

out parks and good highways ; 
Thousands of cattle in pastures ; rich-laden 

grainfields and meadows; — 
These now thick covered the landscape once 

held by the fierce warlike Indian 
For hunting the hare and bison or meeting 

in strife his red brother. 
But better by far than all these, and richer 

in promise of glory. 
The strong sturdy sons and fair daughters 

of pioneer Kansas came forth. 
Assuming the place of their parents, joining 

in marriage, advancing 
The work that had been so well started, 

rearing a new race of children. 

[Page 95 



i;f)e pioneer 



One By One They Are Passing 

Little we know what the morrow may bring 

that will cheer or dismay us ; 
Little we plan for the future but vanishes 

ere its fulfillment; 
Even while happiness reigns and the boon 

of contentment is present 
With some of the children of men, others 

are burdened with sorrow, 
Or loss or illness or failure of all their fond 

hopes and ambitions. 
But whether through calm or tempest our 

barque may proceed on its journey. 
As each day it carries us nearer the end of 

all earthly desires. 
We know that our Captain is faithful. His 

love and infinite Mercy 
Reward each soul that is true to the secret 

commission he gives it. 

Now one by one they are passing, those 
brave pioneers of fair Kansas, 

Over the river forever ; and as from the far- 
distant landing 

We hear the last stroke of the Oarsman 
through vanishing heart-beat resound, 

Page 96] 



®{)e pioneer 

There comes a mysterious message to com- 
fort and soothe the remaining : 

Fear not, for I will be with thee and o'er 
the dark waters will bear thee 

With unfailing strength to thy haven, when 
thou too hast earned thy reward! 



[Page 97 



tClje pioneer 



The White Rose Still Faithful 

So passed the life of Elvira; and after her 
service was ended — 

Her children all married and gone, her grand- 
children blessed with her kindness, 

Her husband attended so long with the best 
her affection could give him, — 

She vanished, like some precious flower that 
blossoms in springtime and summer 

And leaves a sweet fragrance behind, bear- 
ing its seed for the autumn. 

And quietly fading away to the bosom of 
Him who conceived it. 

And while to eternal rest were the mortal 
remains being lowered, 

Blinded with tears were all eyes and choked 
every voice with emotion. 

What now were those beautiful hands that 
so long had been faithful in service.'^ 

And what of those dear sweet lips that 
healed every wound with their kisses : 

And where was that gentle voice that 
soothed us in childhood with singing.^ 

Transfigured now are all these : transcend- 
ent with splendor and beauty. 

Page 98] 



tKlje pioneer 



In memory's fond embrace shall they linger 
for ever and ever. 

Now over that humble grave the delicate 

white rose is growing, 
Fresh and sweet as of old when its ancestor 

found by Elvira 
Out on the roadside alone, was given a place 

in her garden ; 
Pure and chaste as the wreath that encircled 

her brow at the wedding. 
And ever as springtime returns with fresh 

flood of vigor and beauty, 
The whispering breath of the winds all fra- 
grant with perfume of roses 
Recalls from the past a commission, a sacred 

charge to a maiden 
To yield up her life on the prairies in making 

a home ; and whose children, 
Inspired by her courage divine, should honor 

and glorify Kansas. 



[Page 99 



®t)e pioneer 



The Land of the Free Forever 

O Kansas! Thou land of the brave! Thou 
symbol of struggle and freedom! 

Where love ever reigns in the home and 
none is afraid of his neighbors ; 

Where poverty, wretchedness, crime and 
remorse now scarcely e'er enter; 

Where manhood no longer is wrecked by the 
terrible alcohol demon; 

Where eagerly maidens and youths, all buoy- 
ant with health and ambition, 

Share with their elders the plans and the 
work of upbuilding an empire; 

Where sweet little children, reared by the 
care and protection of parents, 

Run out in the sunshine to play, as happy 
and free as the song-birds. 

O Kansas! Dear Kansas, all hail! The 
fairest, the pride of the nation! 

Lead on in thy contests for right, lead on 
in thy struggles for freedom! 

And out of thy loins may there come a 
mightier host of the righteous — 

Of the Pioneer's strong, noble sons, well- 
armed with the sword of the Spirit, 

Page 100] 



i;f)e pioneer 

Of the Pioneer's daughters most fair, with 
love as their weapon of conquest, — 

Whose labors shall help to maintain God*s 
Kingdom among us forever! 



[Page 101 



yt3] n 1911 



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